2016 Reebok CrossFit Games

The 2016 Games Underdogs: Men

The 2016 Games Underdogs: Men

The 2016 CrossFit Games are nearly here, and after an epic path to qualification, the full competitive rosters are finally set.Every sport has underdogs, an

Jul 12, 2016 by Armen Hammer
The 2016 Games Underdogs: Men
The 2016 CrossFit Games are nearly here, and after an epic path to qualification, the full competitive rosters are finally set.

Every sport has underdogs, and CrossFit is no different. Whether they're looking for redemption or are heading on their rookie trips to the Games, these athletes are in it to win it regardless of popular opinion.

Brent Fikowski


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By now, you know Fikowski. The man hasn’t come out of nowhere, and anyone paying attention to the Games the past few years knows how close he’s been to qualifying and how dominant he’s been in certain respects. This year, he turned a corner, and is mentally and physically ready to take on the Games.

Backed by a swimming background, arguably the best engine in the game, and a methodical approach to training and competition, Fikowski has all the tools necessary to make a run for the podium this year.

Garret Fisher


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In 2013, then-rookie Fisher placed fifth at the CrossFit Games. Since then, he’s barely missed qualifying, and has only gotten fitter. He’s worked with Chris Spealler, and most recently, CJ Martin. Having a dedicated coach has helped him up his game considerably.

In addition to following a real program, Fisher possesses rare athleticism that greatly contributed to his success in 2013. The toughness and physicality it takes to place top-10 in the 2k row, half marathon row, Burden Run, Naughty Nancy and the clean-and-jerk ladder is incredible. How incredible? The only other athletes who did that were Rich Froning and Jason Khalipa.

Sam Dancer


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Dancer has been on the Games podium before with team CrossFit Conjugate in their second-place finish in 2014. He’s best known for being unbelievably strong (655-pound deadlift at the Games that year; 22 squats at 405lbs just a couple days ago), but his qualification as an individual this year proves his conditioning is clearly starting to catch up.

For a strength specialist, his self-reported 41-minute Games-style Murph is impressive and his raw athleticism is unmatched. He may not be the best swimmer or runner, but he’s got what it takes to excel in nearly all other events.